Solve a puzzle, find the code and open the lock. The science escape room “Mission Exkódus” turns mathematics and logic into a shared challenge. The IMSAS team presented it at the science outreach event Experience Science with SAS in Poprad – Spišská Sobota.
Twenty institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences took part in the event. Our Institute introduced an experiential learning concept that connects logical and mathematical puzzles with materials research.
Participants in Mission Exkódus worked through a series of challenges to obtain the codes needed to open the locks and “escape” from the room. Success depended on careful reading, recognising connections and working as a team.
The game reflects a way of thinking that is also essential to scientific work: understanding a problem, devising an approach, testing a solution and exploring another route if it fails. The challenges also encourage participants to discuss their ideas and explain their reasoning.
The activity aims to show pupils and students that mathematics and logic have practical applications, and that solving a difficult problem can bring the joy of discovery. Play can also help develop critical thinking, a systematic approach and teamwork skills.
At IMSAS, we consider science outreach and encouraging interest in science and engineering an important part of our work. Mission Exkódus is one way we help young people explore science through hands-on experience.
text and photo:S. Múčková